What are medial collateral ligament injuries?

The knee joint is comprised of four major ligaments: Two cruciate ligaments and two collateral ligaments. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) works collectively with the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) to stabilize the knee joint while also protecting the knee against unusual movements including buckling. The MCL emanates from the medial epicondyle, a bony ridge on the inner femur (thigh bone), and travels along the inner portion of the knee joint where it attaches along the upper inner tibia (shin bone). This ligament is the most injured of the four major knee ligaments and is common among athletes involved in contact sports such as wrestling, rugby, or football. MCL injuries are caused by a significant force on the outer knee resulting in a sideways shift of the knee joint. This joint shift causes the MCL to stretch or to become partially or completely torn from its bony attachment. Dr. Joseph D. Lamplot, orthopedic knee specialist serving patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL, has the knowledge and understanding, as well as substantial experience, in treating patients with MCL injuries.

Medial Collarteral Ligament Tear

Are there different types of MCL injuries?

Injuries to ligaments are categorized by the amount of damage sustained by the ligament. Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are no different and are assigned one of three grades after injury evaluation:

  • Grade 1: Grade 1 MCL injuries are classified as simple stretching or pulling of the ligament resulting in minimal ligament damage.
  • Grade 2: Grade 2 MCL injuries result in mild knee joint instability from a partially torn ligament.
  • Grade 3: Grade 3 MCL injuries have sustained a complete ligament rupture resulting in moderate to severe knee joint instability.

What are the symptoms of MCL injuries?

The most common complaint from medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries is a sharp and sudden pain along the inner knee that immediately follows an injury. This pain is typically accompanied by swelling and tenderness as well. Some other common symptoms of MCL injuries include instability of the knee joint, particularly with more severe MCL injuries. The affected knee joint can also exhibit a decreased range of motion. Some individuals have also reported a “catching” or “locking” sensation with movement of the affected knee joint.

How are MCL injuries diagnosed?

It is important to consult an orthopedic knee specialist for a proper diagnosis, as the symptoms of medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries are shared with a number of other knee conditions. The best tool for confirming MCL injuries is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This diagnostic imaging study is used to evaluate the soft tissue structures of the knee joint for any damage that was sustained from the traumatic event. Dr. Lamplot will also gather a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to understand the full picture.

What is the treatment for MCL injuries?

Non-surgical treatment:

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries that fall into the grade 1 or grade 2 categories often respond well to non-surgical therapies alone. A knee brace is applied to prevent further damage to the ligament while it heals. Combining non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) with RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) can alleviate any symptoms associated with this condition. When appropriate, a physical therapy program will be designed to restore function and stability to the knee joint.

Surgical treatment:

Patients with severe or complex medial collateral ligament (MCL) injuries, or those who did not respond well to non-surgical therapies, may require surgical intervention. Dr. Lamplot favors a mini-open approach to suture the ligament back together or securely fasten the ligament to the bone. When damage to the MCL is beyond repair, a tissue graft, either from the patient (autograft) or donor (allograft), is utilized to reconstruct the ligament in its entirety. Occasionally, patients may sustain damage to multiple soft tissue structures within the knee joint, in which case Dr. Lamplot will repair each of the injured structures as needed to best restore function and stability to the knee joint.

Knee MCL Injury Specialist

The most common complaint from medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury is a sharp and sudden pain along the inner knee that immediately follows an injury. MCL injuries are most often seen in patients who participate in activities that involve jumping, landing or in sports like dirt biking. MCL injury specialist,  Doctor Joseph D. Lamplot, provides diagnosis as well as surgical and nonsurgical treatment options for patients in Arlington Heights, Kildeer, Lake Zurich, Barrington, and the surrounding Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, IL who have suffered an MCL knee injury. Contact Dr. Lamplot’s team today!